Trump Administration Targets H-1B Visa Program Changes

Last month, a statement from the Trump administration aimed at addressing issues within the H-1B visa program was released. While there was some ongoing confusion regarding this directive, its initial impact is now being observed, particularly among large firms that have previously relied heavily on H-1B workers, especially those from India.

A declaration signed on September 19, 2025, marks the start of what many anticipate will be a series of reforms to the H-1B visa system.

The proclamation has introduced a significant fee of $100,000 for sponsoring new H-1B applicants from outside the U.S. According to the White House, the primary goals of this move are to safeguard American jobs, tackle H-1B misuse, and prioritize hiring of American workers.

This hefty fee has prompted some firms to rethink their hiring strategies.

Reports indicate that major companies—including Walmart, Deloitte, and Cognizant Technology Solutions—are steering clear of offering sponsorships for new H-1B applicants.

Job postings after the mid-September announcement reveal a shift in corporate hiring approaches. For instance, Deloitte’s listing for software automation developer positions specifies that qualified candidates should “not require employer assistance now or in the future.”

There was no response from Deloitte when approached for comments by Blaze News.

Further job postings from Walmart echo this sentiment. A recent ad for software engineers explicitly states that “no sponsorships are available now or in the future.” A spokesperson for Walmart clarified to Blaze News that the company is deliberate in its approach to H-1B hiring while still focusing on bringing in top talent to meet customer needs.

Similarly, a recent job listing from Cognizant indicated that they would consider candidates only if they are legally authorized to work in the U.S. without employer assistance. A representative from Cognizant mentioned that the company has developed a resilient business model that reduces reliance on visas, using them sparingly for particular tech roles that enhance the U.S. workforce. They also noted that Cognizant employs a large number of Americans and invests in local talent.

Furthermore, they suggested that the newly announced changes are expected to have minimal short-term repercussions on the firm. Cognizant’s global presence allows it to continue serving its clients both domestically and internationally.

According to their official site, Cognizant has over 300,000 employees globally, many working in the U.S. through various visa programs, particularly the H-1B visa.